Opened HouseA few years after moving into their stocky, cavelike 1970s bi-level 20 miles southeast of Milwaukee, JJ and Eric Edstrom decided it was time to renovate. New to the world of architecture and construction, the Edstroms turned to Johnsen Schmaling Architects. The creative young couple—Eric is a songwriter and JJ is a life coach—provided the architects with a list of must-haves to accommodate their flexible-but-busy lifestyle. The result is a warm, modernist update that embodies their core Midwestern values: simplicity, connection to nature, and strong family ties. Photo by Cameron Wittig.

Maintaining a connection to their wooded backyard was an important consideration for the Edstorms. The back wall is designed to let in as much light and air as possible. Read more about this spacious renovation here.